Granite State Draft horse
& Pony association
Our History
The GSDHPA was formed on May 18, 1988 by Kevin Connor and Roger Sanborn.
The constitution and bylaws were worked on for a couple of years and meetings were held at different homes or barns, which still happens today.
Kevin Connor was elected the first president and Adele Buchanan was Secretary-Treasurer.
The Club had its first competition in the summer of 1988 at the Hopkinton State Fair. That October, the Club also participated in Harvest Days at Shaker Village.
by Cliff McGinnis
Bud Meader of Meader's Supply donated $200 for the club to be established.
Vice President Jim Krapton gave a report on Club insurance. Susan Kelley designed a logo for the Club.
The Club's first sleigh rally was held at Hugh Fifield's farm in February 1989, and that Spring, the membership fee was $10 per member, per year. Later that year, the club had hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and brochures made with the club logo.
Jim Krapton was elected president in 1990. That year, North Haverill Fair, Cheshire Fair, Plymouth Fair, Hopkinton Fair, Lancaster Fair, and Sandwich Fair all had Draft Horse classes in which the club participated.
In 1991, the Club had a booth at the Farm & Forest Exhibition with a live horse, pony, or mule in a set of stocks made by Joe (Paul) Hempel. This was done for 10 years or so.
Over the years, our members have been in fair competitions, horse show competitions, parades, sleigh rallies and have given rides at different events.
Presently, the Club gives rides at the St. Paul's School graduation and the Hopkinton Fair.